Wednesday, June 22, 2016

How I Write: Authors on Their Writing Process - Lyra Shanti

This week's author interview is with sci-fi author Lyra Shanti.

1.When did you
first start writing?

I began writing
songs when I was just seven years old. I then wrote my first little play when I
was nine. It was in my twenties that I started to write poetry, which allowed
me a better knowledge of how to express myself. It wasn't until my thirties
that I took a chance on writing a full-blown novel. I was scared and didn't
know if I had it in me. But here I am now, having just finished my fourth book
in my Shiva XIV series. I've come a long way since my insecure youth.

2.What are your
books about? Are you self / traditionally published or hybrid?

I am
currently an indie author, and my Shiva XIV series is about a boy named Ayn who
is predestined to become the great messiah of his planet so he can save their
planet from disease and war. Having been raised by priests in a secluded
palace, Ayn is unsure how to do become what they want him to be, and his life
takes many twists and turns as his destiny unfolds. It's a science fiction
adventure with elements of fantasy and myth.

Herman
Hesse, the author of Steppenwolf and Siddhartha, inspired me from the age of
thirteen with his poetic, philosophical stories where East meets West in the
discovery of individual awakening. However, I've had so many influences from
Tolkien to Rowling to my own partner and spouse, Timothy. So many people and
stories played their parts in creating the ripples that turned into the waves
that moved me to write.

I
could never write by hand! My handwriting is a mess as I think faster than my
hand can write. Plus, I've lost countless notebooks in the past. I only use a
laptop now. Thank the Gods for modern technology!

5.What's your
editing process?

I
hate editing so very much. Love writing. Hate editing! But, I know it's a
necessity, so I do it nonetheless. Usually, I begin formatting and checking the
chapters to see if they all make sense, aren't too huge, and have proper titles
and such. Next, I check for spelling and grammar. After that, it's all about
re-reading the entire book, trying to look for needles in haystacks. I tend to
go through all that about five times, and I'll still find little mistakes, even
after publication! Bleh. I truly hate the process.

6.What did you find
most / least useful in learning to write?

Self
expression is most useful, and learning to be confident about one's ideas and
feelings. I personally don't think there is anything useless about writing.
It's all about expression and inspiration, which is wonderful!

7.Who or what
inspires you? Where / how do you get your book ideas?

Everything
inspires me! A good movie, a beautiful song, a yummy meal, an interesting
conversation! It all can seep into my brain and trickle down into my subconscious.
Sometimes, I come up with an idea from a dream as well, but for the most part,
I'm constantly inspired by life itself.

8.Do you have a
writing routine / schedule? Any specific rituals?

I
don't have a routine. I'm not good with feeling forced. However, I have a
strong sense of wanting my stories out there, and that drive has become a
diligence inside me that just won't quit. I try to make the time, even if I'm
dead tired. It's important to know when you need to recharge your batteries,
but a writer must keep writing, no matter what.

9.Do
you listen to music while you write? What kind of music?

Absolutely! I have playlists for each book I write. It can be
anything from Loreena McKennitt to Tori Amos to Bjork to Seal to Led Zeppelin –
just depends on what mood I need for the particular story. Music is an integral
part of me, and it always helps me write.

10.Do you ever get writers' block? What are some ways
you get around it?

I don't usually
get writer's block. I may have a little trouble here and there with where I
want the plot to go, but I write a huge amount of notes and talk about the
problem with my other half, who happens to be a writer as well, so I'm lucky
that way. I like challenges, and I usually find my way through the spider webs
of story-writing.

11.How much research do you do? What kind?

In
sci-fi and fantasy, research is sort of open-minded. I mean, I sometimes find
myself Googling about quantum physics or electromagnetic energy – stuff like that.
But I don't do hard core sci-fi, so my research is pretty loose.

12.What project are you working on now?

I'm
editing book 3 of my Shiva XIV series for an Autumn release this year, and I've
just finished writing book 4. I'm also gearing up to write a new YA fantasy
series.

Bio:

Lyra Shanti is a novelist,
poet, playwright, and songwriter who currently lives in Florida with partner
and spouse, Timothy Casey, and their two insane cats.

Prophecy rules, science
rebels, and the fate of all depends on a boy named Ayn. Predestined to become
the great messiah of his people, Ayn must save his galaxy from disease and war.
But can he do it, and should he? Is it even his true place? Ayn must decide
before it's too late!

Book One begins with Ayn's birth and
follows him as he discovers the world outside the palace he was raised. A
coming of age story amidst galactic turmoil, Shiva XIV has action, romance,
mysticism, and magical creatures. Join Ayn and his friends as his journey to
become a heroic legend unfolds.